MICROBRUTE

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MicroBrute is pure analog sonic powerhouse of a synth. Small in size but loaded with features, it follows in the footsteps laid by its big brother the MiniBrute.

Packed with mixable waveforms, a new sub oscillator design, the famous Steiner-Parker multimode filter, super fast envelope, syncable LFO and the new step sequencer, not to mention the patchable mod matrix the MicroBrute is a landmark new synth at an incredible price.

I have two of those1 of 1 customers found this review helpful

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Product ExperienceI own it

Closest StoreQuébec, Quebec

I was happy with mine but longed for a second enveloppe so I bought another one to take advantage of the connectivity options. Using a controller (with a MIDI splitter), both Micros can be set-up as a duophonic machine, or as a mono with two oscillators, enveloppes and LFOs. Great value for relatively little investment!

Posted by Denis Robitaille on Nov 20, 2016

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Buy 121 of 2 customers found this review helpful

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Closest StoreNanaimo, British Columbia

For the price point there is no other analog synthesizer that comes close. A 64 step sequencer is unheard of at synths this price. A multiwave analog oscillator with all those cv points is amazing. I wish it had a noise generator, but you can always run one through the external audio. Many people will put down the 2-pole filter, but it's multimode and has great sonic capabilities. It won't sound like a moog, but it can come close at times with the right settings. If you combine 2 Microbrutes together you can start playing duophonic or run two separate sequences, or a sequence and lead or bass lines over top etc etc, and you can combine the filters to have a more sweet or even more chaotic sound. Only real complaint is the lack of midi out except by usb midi.

It's small, it's no toy….this thing is just sick.Checkout YouTube videos combine it with its bigger sibling the MiniBrute and you have 2 VCO's and patch, run the line out of the Micro into eth Mini and the sonic pallet will compete or destroy analog synths that are 2-3 times the money. Some may think it's a sham that there is no recall……..well nothing most of us grew up listing toad recall either!

This is not my first synth, by about 35 years, but it has similar specs to my first: a Yamaha CS-5 - except it's less than half what I paid in 1979, and has twice the sound! Maybe even 3 times...
This is a great unit to learn on, but it is also a tremendous amount of fun for old fogies like me as well. In fact, I can't remember the last time I had so much fun with a "no preset" single oscillator synth.
The key is the mini patch bay. Once you patch, say, LFO to metallizer, bring up the wheel, add this "brute factor", it really begins to sound like no other synth in my collection. (And, as my patient wife will testify, I have rather a few, lol).
As a collector, player and synth aficionado for the past 35 years, I will stake my good reputation (*snicker*) that this will truly be the best value little synth you will ever buy. Now, having said that, it is NOT probably a good keyboard if it's to be your ONLY one. And there are no presets, and so don't expect to be radically changing sounds mid-song unless your are a true analog whiz. It DOES come with cardboard templates that let you use a pen to log your favorite settings manually. And it includes about 10 pre-marked templates as well to get a person started. Some basses, a couple lead sounds etc.
But as an addition to any digital polyphonic, like a MicroKorg or any workstation, it's fantastic fun, seriously.
I just cannot see anyone being disappointed, given the price. As long as you remember, it's not for piano/organ sounds - it's a mono synth! Leads, basses, otherworldly drones and dark LFO pulses - that's what it does, and it does it well. The single oscillator, like the vintageYamahas, actually can make more than one waveform at a time. That means you can combine a sawtooth with, say, a triangle wave...plus there is a sub-osc that is an octave lower, or "somehow" it can also tune to a fifth higher! I have never seen a single osc synth that can do that, ever. It is, without a doubt, the most powerful single oscillator synth I have ever owned, and it even beats a few twins as well...even as tiny as it is.
JDP aka baD mR fRosTy
PS, not sure about the above post RE price. No, L&M doesn't haggle like some tent maker in the desert...but they DO price match, hint hint.
At least the Kitchener store did for me last week.
Cheers

Posted by John Peer on Oct 8, 2014

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One of my favourite synthesizers, a future classic!2 of 2 customers found this review helpful

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Closest StoreVictoria, British Columbia

The Microbrute is one of the great synthesizers!
I've been collecting and playing synths and drum machines since 1990 (the summer I graduated High school). At one time or another I've owned an SH-3, SH-1000, SH-2000, all three JUNOs 6,60, & 106, a Moog MG-1 and a Chroma Polaris. Just to name a few. I'm not a great keyboardist but I do know a great deal about synthesizers and sound design.
The Arturia Microbrute is one of the best synthesizers that I've ever owned. The form factor alone was appealing to me since it doesn't take up any studio space and can be hauled around in a laptop bag. The build quality is excellent, the layout is easy to understand, and the connectivity with vintage and contemporary gear is awesome. This thing can be sync'd to or interface with most of my other gear in a variety of ways. Best of all, the Microbrute sound kicks-ask! It definately has a contemporary 'buzzy' vibe and is easily overdriven into the the squelchy territory of something like an MS-20. However, with a bit of finesse and restraint its quite capable of some very rich, creamy sounds. The overall tone is incredibly warm and thick, especially for a single oscillator synth. The bottom end is very punchy... low-n-loud!
Unlike a lot of recent analogue or analogue-ish gear the Microbrute has it's own unique character. It doesn't just evoke the sound vintage instruments it brings something new along with it.
Besides, when all's said and done, this is one helluva lot of synthesizer for less than $400!

Posted by Paul on Jun 28, 2014

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Great Analog Synth2 of 8 customers found this review helpful

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Closest StoreKanata, Ontario

This is a great analog synth. Unfortunately, regarding Long and Mcquade's price, $335, not a good value, which is why I am buying mine at Steve's for $299. I would have bought at Long and Mcquade's, but, nope, no negotiating. Same too with Yamaha MX 49, which I bought at Steve's for $399, selling at Long and Mcquade's for $499. As for the Microbrute, a fantastic little synth. So, head on down to Steve's. You'll get a better deal there.

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